Eunpyeong-gu Introduces 'Artificial Intelligence (AI) Pedestrian Traffic Accident Prevention System'

Preventing Traffic Accidents Between Vehicles and Pedestrians on Crosswalks When Turning Right at Intersections... Pilot Installation at 5 Locations Including Sinsadonggogae Intersection with 100 Million KRW Investment

[Asia Economy Reporter Jongil Park] Eunpyeong-gu (Mayor Kim Mi-kyung) will pilot the installation of an 'Artificial Intelligence (AI) Pedestrian Traffic Accident Prevention System' around elementary schools and crosswalks at intersections with frequent right-turn traffic to ensure the traffic safety of pedestrians, including children and the elderly classified as vulnerable road users, and to prevent traffic accidents.

According to the Traffic Accident Analysis System (TASS) of the Korea Road Traffic Authority, pedestrian traffic accidents in Seoul account for 26.1% of all traffic accidents and 54.1% of all fatalities.

Sixty-five percent of pedestrian traffic accidents occur while pedestrians are crossing, and pedestrian fatalities also occur most frequently (75%) while crossing, indicating that safe passage at crosswalks is under threat.

To address this, the 'Artificial Intelligence (AI) Pedestrian Traffic Accident Prevention System' introduced by the district detects vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians through video recognition. It mutually alerts right-turning vehicles at intersections about pedestrians using the crosswalk and alerts pedestrians about approaching vehicles, thereby preventing vehicle-to-pedestrian accidents and enhancing pedestrian safety.

The system will be initially installed at five crosswalks with high traffic accident rates connected to Gajwa-ro near Bongsan Tunnel, Eunpyeong Tunnel-ro, Eunpyeong-ro, and Yeonseo-ro: Sinsa-dong Hill Intersection, in front of Sinsa Hyundai 1st Apartment entrance, Saejeol Station Intersection, Wasan Bridge Intersection, and Sinsa Five-way Intersection (Eungam Station).

In particular, since the opening of Bongsan Tunnel (November 2, 2017), Gajwa-ro has seen increased traffic volume due to construction vehicles around Goyang City and through traffic, heightening the risk of traffic accidents at crosswalks near elementary schools, thus requiring greater caution from drivers and pedestrians.

Additionally, the intersections mentioned are located near children’s commuting routes for Sangsin Elementary School, Seosin Elementary School, Sinsa Elementary School, and Yeokchon Elementary School. It is expected that the system will enhance a safe walking environment for pedestrians and bicycle users, including children in the blind spots of right-turning vehicles, protecting them from traffic accident risks.

Eunpyeong-gu is currently promoting projects to build smart urban infrastructure in school zones, including pedestrian voice guidance auxiliary devices (30 locations), smart intelligent CCTV systems (12 locations), crosswalk floor signal lights (1 location), and speed enforcement cameras (23 locations) around child protection zones and school commuting routes where jaywalking is a concern.

Kim Mi-kyung, Mayor of Eunpyeong-gu, stated, “Eunpyeong-gu will continue to prioritize safety and work closely with related organizations to introduce advanced traffic accident prevention systems useful for vulnerable road users and pedestrians, striving to establish a safe walking environment.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.